5 Critical Steps to Take Before Weaning

Ensure a smooth transition into weaning for you and your little one.

Dec. 29, 2022

Baby led weaning bib by Bibbrella

Weaning is a huge milestone for both you and your child. Weaning is not only a learning experience for babies, it’s a chance for parents to learn more about their little one, too! It can be a challenging journey, but it can also be fulfilling to see a baby experiment with different foods and develop unique preferences. Join your munchkin in their exciting process of discovery rather than focus on the difficulties with these important steps! 

Check-in With Your Pediatrician

You’re likely already speaking with your pediatrician about weaning and whether or not your baby is checking off all the boxes before beginning the process. But if you’re still unsure if your little one is ready to embark on the weaning journey, a pediatrician can guide you through important milestones that need to be reached before weaning can begin. While there are general developmental guidelines, doctors can provide more individualized recommendations to make sure your child is as happy and healthy as possible. 

Experiment with Solids

After speaking with your baby’s doctor, try offering solid foods in small doses to see what your baby might be naturally drawn to. Providing solid food has its benefits even if your child chooses not to eat it! This allows kids to get familiar with experiencing different types of food. Practice with grasping and holding, smelling, and tasting can aid a smooth transition into weaning. 

Purchase Mealtime Accessories

No need to rush out and buy every weaning product out there, but a few basics will come in handy! A full-coverage bib and suction plate are good places to start. They’ll be the most essential during the first stages of weaning, when kids are learning how to handle food for the first time. Parents should expect messes, but accessories like a full-length bib can help keep those spills contained and manageable.

Prepare for Surprises

Not every weaning journey is the same – even for the same baby! One day your little one may love sweet potato and the next day your child could throw a fit at the sight of one. Babies can be fickle as they experience changes in their own bodies and begin to develop preferences for specific types of foods. A texture that felt good for their teething gums could be painful the next, for instance. Being too tied to a meal plan in the early days of weaning can cause frustration, so plan on being flexible and always having a “safe food” on deck. 

Be Kind to Yourself and Your Baby

Weaning can feel like a bit of a rollercoaster, as each day brings both new tests and delightful discoveries. While every parent and child experiences a unique set of challenges during weaning, it’s a learning and bonding opportunity for everyone involved. That means that whether or not mealtime feels successful, it’s always a chance to develop stronger ties with your little one. Don’t be shy to enlist help–either from family members or a trusty mealtime accessory. Using a full-length bib, for example, can help parents focus on the weaning process rather than the stress of stained clothes. Be prepared with Bibbrella’s full-coverage bib to keep messes at bay!